Wildlife Spotting

Forgot to address the allergy issue. Sorry. Yes, if you have a severe sting allergy, and you are stung, you may have an issue. But remember just because they are there doesn't mean they will attack. Just notice where her nest is, maybe put a little wire flag there, and give her some space. She won't bother you if you don't bother her. :)

Oh Wow!! My absolutest most favoritest wasp! mmlwood is correct...it's a "Cicada Killer", and yes they are beneficial. They are solitary wasps, ie: they don't live in community hives... one wasp, one hole in the ground. Males don't have stingers, so they are harmless. (They will buzz up in your face to try to chase you away from "their bush"... where they keep watch for the ladies.) The females are bigger, they do have stingers, but you'd really have to deliberately make an effort to anger them in order for them to sting. But treat them with the respect they deserve, and you'll be able to observe her excavating her nest at a relatively close range. She catches live cicadas for her babies.... and she can choose what sex it will be! Girls get 3 cicadas, boys only get 1 or 2! Hah! Oh my I could go on about how cool these critters are. Plus they are sure pretty. At least I think so. :D

That's a cicada killer. Don't kill them they help